After my last post I realized that I have been whining and stalling all summer! I keep making lists and refolding my pile of fabrics...definite signs of a major stall happening. After the flurry of tops I decided I was on a roll so I should just keep it going. So here is a whole crop of tops, but these are from the Key West pile.
Since I was on a Susan Eastman inspired journey, I made a Michigan/Key West crossover top. A mix of my Michigan mud colors with a few hints of my new ocean inspired colors. I like it, but not sure if it will make the cut for Key West. I think it landed somewhere in Tennessee!
The pants in these pictures were the first thing I made from the pile. The fabric came from Merchant and Mills as did the pattern. They are my favorite Eve pants. The fabric is a lovely teeny tiny hounds tooth check linen. I really liked the selvedges so made them a feature on the pockets and the waistband. I truly adore the way these pants fit and feel. I wear them all day and they are comfy like my knit pants, but I feel so much more 'dressed' in them.
The first top from the pile is also an M&M pattern. It is the Factory Dress pattern but made into a top by leaving off the skirt. I think they actually have done a pattern release of a top variation, but I just make the top and "forget" to make the bottom! The fabric is the softest aqua color I have ever seen with a twin grey thread stripe. It just screams ocean to me. I got it when I visited Italy a few years ago. The stripe is actually on the cross grain, which is a bit unusual for a woven fabric. I like this version but have decided that I prefer it without the bust darts. It is roomy enough that I don't think I need them and the extra volume also makes the hem circumference a bit much. I did a mock up using an old tablecloth to see if my fiendish no-dart plan would work and I think it's a winner. The next time I make the Factory dress or top it will be dartless.
The Factory Dress from Merchant and Mills
The next top is a pattern that I got a while ago but never made up. It's the Monty Dress and Shirt from Style Arc. I have used several of their patterns and find them to be drafted with me in mind. The shoulders are usually generous enough and even the sleeve lengths are closer than most patterns. I did quite a bit of messing about with this, so you might not recognize it from the pattern envelope. The original had a front yoke and was very cropped. I was using a big stipe print and thought it needed more space to really show it off. I added a dropped back yoke with gathers to add some volume at the hem. The rayon fabric really moves well and the longer length gives it a lovely flow. I think this is going to be a favorite. It feels like it will be perfect for hot sunny weather.
I spent an inordinate amount of time matching the back yoke and absolutely no time on the center front. I just got really lucky with the palm placement at the center. Whew!
The Monty Dress and Shirt from Style Arc Patterns
OK...last top! (did you notice how nicely they all go with my Eve pants?! I may need to make at least one more pair of pants so I can swap them out for laundry day!)
This top is a version of my square shirt that literally doesn't touch my body when worn! The perfect top for really sweaty days! The loose open sides let the breeze in and the light Liberty silk absolutely floats.
Finally, I made a maxi length T-shirt dress. I built a bra into the top which makes it really comfy. I think this will be just right for after the beach.
Whew! A flurry of summery stuff. It feels good to be making my way through the pile. It's a bit odd that just as the weather is saying corduroy, I am hauling out the silk and linen! I have a few more things that I'd like to do, but I am pleased with my progress. I'm also enjoying working with some new colors. Now that my hair is more grey than brown, I think the soft grays and aquas will be nice, and more at home in Key West than mud. 👍
I think people with gray hair often look stunning in gray fabrics, so go, girl! Merchant & Mills would do well to show your pants on you, rather than their drawing, which would tempt no one, IMO. (Except, apparently, it did tempt you. I'm baffled by that.)
ReplyDeleteI did have the advantage of being in the M&M Studios where they had all the patterns made up in all the sizes so I could try them on. Most were too short, no surprise there, but I did end up making things I never would have chosen without the option of seeing them in person.
DeleteGreat work I like the colors. Good to see not in mud. You can wear them here this week, next week you made need a layer over top.
ReplyDeleteThe mud colors had a good run and served me well for a long time...I'm liking the new ones and hope they work as well as the old ones. It is so much easier to have a smaller wardrobe when the colors are a bit limited and mix well with each other.
DeleteYour Eve pants are great. I like them too as they have a great fit but I have yet to figure out how to add front pockets. How did you do it?
ReplyDeleteFunny you should ask...I write a blog post for Threads Insider every month. I sent one on how to make the pockets and they decided to use it as a full article in the February issue of the Threads Magazine. Right now it is 'their' article so I can't 'publish' anything about it. But it will be a full tutorial in the magazine. Can you wait for your winter pair of Eve's to add pockets?
DeleteYes, I can. It's not as if I don't have anything else to wear in the meantime !!
DeleteExcellent!
DeleteI was amazed how well the mud and key west color look together in the crossover top. You have made so many lovely tops. Your post is very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was surprised too, I was thinking they might not blend into the same garment, but I'm liking it. I think it may still be a bit tame in Key West!
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